Biggest Ever Arc Rally Starts Atlantic Crossing

by Nancy Knudsen on 22 Nov 2005 The largest ever fleet to join the ARC Rally started today from Las Palmas in spectacular style as 230 boats of many shapes sizes - and ambitions - crossed the start line. It was the 20th anniversary of the first ARC Rally.

In the typical bright sunny weather of Gran Canaria, the boats were farewelled by loudspeaker, serenaded by a marching band and escorted by a fleet of spectator boats filled with people from Las Palmas. The excitement and atmosphere of anticipation was intense as the flotilla gradually departed the harbour, leaving a quieter, calmer and emptier Las Palmas for another year.

The racing boats left first at 12.40, and three British boats were first across the line - Lancelot, a Beneteau 40.7, closely followed by Renaissance, a Corel 45 and then Incisor of Wight, a Corby 45.

The cruising fraternity left 20 minutes later, with the emphasis characteristically more on the best-dressed crew than who was first across the line. With more than 200 boats leaving together in the bright sunshine, the departure was certainly something participants will remember all their sailing lives. For some, it is their first ocean crossing, for others, just another wonderful adventure.

This annual transatlantic rally, starting each November from Las Palmas, has now become the largest sailing Rally in the world. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay in St.Lucia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Lesser Antilles. The 2700 nautical mile passage on the NE trade wind route takes an average of between 12 and 24 days.
Conceived as a friendly race for cruising yachts to make the Atlantic crossing both safer and more enjoyable, participating yachts must carry a range of safety equipment including a liferaft, EPIRB and VHF radio. Daily radio nets contribute further to the safety of participants. The presence of experienced sailors is another incentive for those with little offshore experience.
While the ARC is primarily a rally, not a race, the racing class, rated under the IRC System, is run for those wanting more a competitive crossing, under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

During the next three weeks, for continually updated information on all aspects of the progress of the rally, visit the following website. http://www.worldcruising.com/arc/english.htm